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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
May 2006.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• PROGRAM - MAY;
• REVIEW - APRIL;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• Four-year old Chester;
• WEB SITES;
• PROGRAM SCHEDEULE FOR MONTHLY MEETINGS;
• CLASSES AND INSTRUCTORS PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR CAMP PARADISE;
• FACTS ABOUT CFMS & AFMS;
• JUNE BIRTHDAYS;
• HOSPITALITY;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• CLUB MEMBERS - NEW AND OLD;
• MEMBERSHIP;
• "FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN";
• BE SAFE - BE WELL;
• SAFETY;
• John Deere;
• OBSIDIAN;
• HIGHWAY CLAIMS FAMED ROCK SHOP BY EMINENT DOMAIN;
• LAWS OF THE NATURAL UNIVERSE;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS - (Use at your own risk!);
• STODDARD WELLS TAILGATE ROCK SHOW;
• SHOW DATES;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• VGMS PHOTO ALBUM;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER;
• CAMP PARADISE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION;
• 67th ANNUAL CALIFORNIA FEDERATION SHOW;
• GOD BLESS AMERICA.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

We are now half way through the Spring season and the warmer weather has finally arrived. Many people are busy planning their vacations for the summer months. Don't forget to include a mineral show or a field trip in your travels. Especially, be on the lookout for rocks for our rock boxes. The following is list of what's needed:

     Sedimentary: Sandstone - Gray, Sandstone - Red Sespe, Shale,
     Breccias, Conglomerate, Limestone, Coquina, Diatomatite, Coal -
     bituminous, Chalk, Gypsum, Travertine or Chert.

     Metamorphic: Gneiss, Marble - Limestone, Marble - Dolomite,
     Quartz, Schist, Serpentine, Greenstone, Slate, Garnet schist,
     Soapstone, Mariposite, Hornfels.

     Volcanic Rocks: Gabbro, Granite, Pegmatite, Basalt, Andesite,
     Rhyolite, Obsidian, Pumice, Tuff, Scoria, Aa, Pahoehoe, Diabase.

If you have any of these or manage to find some during your collecting trips, contact Donna Knapton (805) 647-8762.

Ed Clark,
President.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

If everything is going well, you have been obviously overlooking something.

Do you realize how many mistakes you'd make if you didn't sleep one-third of the day?

Wrinkles are hereditary. Parents get them from their children.

If you are pushing 60 (or even 80) that is exercise enough.

Collected by Wayne Ehlers.

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PROGRAM:
May is Show and Sell Month,
The Not So Silent Auction!
May 24, 2006.

     May's program will again rely on the members of the VGMS to liven up the evening's proceedings. This month it is the semi-annual Silent Auction. We are asking everyone to bring material that they can donate to the society for the auction. Material, as in the usual silent auctions, will be laid out for display and bidding. This can be fossils, lapidary work, mineral specimens, or unworked stone. The more that people bring, the better the evening will be. Please make sure the items brought are interesting enough for somebody to purchase.
     The change in this month's program is in the introduction of the materials. When you come up to donate your material to the club, please give a brief description of where and how you acquired it; by purchase or by self-collecting, I know I enjoy knowing where pieces of my collection originated.
     As most of you know, Ray & Florence are selling all of their minerals and fossils and rocks they do not use for display. Some of this material will be included in the silent auction - geodes, wood, slabs, minerals and more.
     They have asked all of you to bring good material also to round out the auction. Those of you who go on field trips have different material - agates, jaspers, etc. that they no longer have. Every one bring something. Let's make this a very successful event.

     Thank you everyone for your participation!
          Lowell Foster, Program Chair.

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REVIEW:
Visiting Africa,
By Wayne Ehlers and Sharon Cunningham,
April 26, 2006.

     Wayne and Sharon took us on their trips to Africa for the April meeting. Wayne shared several slides about their adventures and sites on his and Marie's trip with the American Museum of Natural History to the Northwestern part of Africa from Senegal and Gambia to Morocco and the Canary Islands.
     Sharon shared artifacts and items she collected on her trip to Southern Africa. Unfortunately I was out of the country and missed this program, but I have heard only good things about it and that it was very much enjoyed. Thank you Wayne and Sharon.
     Also thanks to Donna and Callie Stephens for the refreshments enjoyed by all.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

5-20-06 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon. Check with a shop supervisor to confirm (see "Chips & Boulders"). (Close the new window to return here.)
5-20 & 21-06 - Conejo Gem & Mineral Show.
5-24-06 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. - "Show & Sell - Not so Silent Auction" - Ray & Florence Meisenheimer.
5-27 & 28-06 - Aguana, CA field trip. POSTPONED.
6-1-06 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
6-9 to 11-06 - CFMS Show - Angels Camp, CA - "Jump For The Gold".
6-10-06 - DEADLINE FOR JUNE Bulletin Articles to the Editor!
6-17-06 - VGMS Work Shop - Museum - Open - 9 to noon. Check with a shop supervisor to confirm (see "Chips & Boulders"). (Close the new window to return here.)
6-28-06 - VGMS Regular Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Lexington. "Live Hawks & Owls from the Ojai Raptor Center" - Sharon & Mel Hixson.
7-6-06 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the I.B.E.W. Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
8-2-06 - First Day of Ventura County Fair!

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CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Tri-Club Educational Committee Needs - There was a list of the rocks that the Tri-Club Educational Committee will need for the completion of the project of a box of specimens for each school in the county in our March & April bulletins. If you have any of these and are willing to donate them contact Donna Knapton (805) 647-8762 as many are still needed. Many thanks!

BIG SALE - The Meisenheimers are selling their "good stuff" - Polished geodes, Brazil agate, wood, minerals. Give us a call before coming over at (805) 642-3155. - Ray & Florence Meisenheimer.

Hosts and Hostesses Schedule for 2006 Meetings - Help! We are in need of some volunteers for the open months below to fill the 2006 meetings. Give Sharon Cunningham a call at (805) 649-3579 to schedule your month. We thank everyone who participates. You can see how much they are enjoyed at the meetings!

     May: Donna, Dallas & Callie Stephens.
     June: Open.
     July: Richard & Shirley Bromser.
     August: Sharon & Mel Hixson.
     September: Open.
     October: Open.
     November: Pumpkin Goodies by All!
     December: VGMS Christmas Party.

VGMS Workshops - They are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 am until noon unless otherwise notified. The Shop Supervisors are Ron Wise (805) 647-4393 & Greg Davis (805) 647-9214. Stop and say thanks to these volunteers for the opportunity they give the rest of us. It is there for your use; take advantage of it. With vacations and business trips it is a good idea to call to make sure the museum will be open.

CFMS & AFMS Newsletters - Anyone interested in their own subscriptions to these, please contact Shirley Layton (805 717-9226). The cost for one year is $5.50 for the CFMS and $4.50 for the AFMS. I do share some information from these with you, but there is much more in each issue that you may be interested in. If you have access to the internet you can download both from their respective websites shown below for free!

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     Four-year old Chester came in from playing and showed his mother a large tear in his trousers. She asked him to take them off, then went to the sewing room to mend them. When she finished, Chester was nowhere to be found.
     The tot's mother heard someone moving around in the basement, so she went to the top of the stairs and called, "Are you running around down there without your pants on?"
     "No, ma'am," a deep voice answered, "I'm just reading the meter."

From Quarry Quips - April 2006.

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WEB SITES.

AFMS web site - http://www.amfed.org/,
CFMS web site - http://www.cfmsinc.org/,
CA BLM web site - http://www.ca.blm.gov/.

If you go, close the new window to return here.

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PROGRAM SCHEDEULE FOR MONTHLY MEETINGS,
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, 2006.

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CLASSES AND INSTRUCTORS PRESENTLY
SCHEDULED FOR CAMP PARADISE:
WEEK 1 - September 3-9, 2006;
WEEK 2 - September 10-16, 2006.

Gem Carving - Dick Friesen;
Beginning Wire Art - Anne Christiansen (Available Second
     Week If Enough Interest Is Shown);
Silver Chain Making - Lois Allmen;
Silver Fabrication - Norvie Enns;
Lapidary - Tom Burchard;
Soft Stone Carving - Margaret Kolaczyk;
Faceting - Marion Roberts, John Christiansen & Dian Gardner;
Lost Wax and Silver Casting - Bural LaRue & Joy McClure;
Glass Bead Making - C. J. Quitoriano;
Pmc Silver Clay - Judy Gooch (1st Week Only);
Advanced Wire Art - Dale Nichols (1st Week Only);
Glass Fusion - Judy Gooch (2nd Week Only);
Copper Enameling - Betty Egger;
Beading - Shirley Hill.

Please note that there are some limits to the number of students accepted for each class, so be prepared to accept a different one if space is not available for your preference. No reservations are made and each class is filled on a first come first served basis.

What to bring for your comfort:

Sleeping Bag or Bedding;
Pillow;
Flashlight - Spare bulb & batteries;
Sturdy foot wear;
Toilet Articles - towels, washcloth;
Warm jacket;
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat;
Extra set of car keys;
Alarm clock.

Jack Williams - Northern Coordinator for Earth Sciences.

See Registration Form included in this Bulletin. (Close the new window to return here.)

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

FACTS ABOUT CFMS & AFMS,
By Bill Gissler, SCVGMS Member.

     What is the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS)? What are the benefits to our club by being an affiliated member of CFMS? How is CFMS related to the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)? These are questions that have recently been asked by new and fairly new members. So maybe it is about time that we answer them. CFMS, formed in 1935 as a not for profit corporation, is an affiliation of 116 mineralogical societies located in California and the western parts of Nevada and Arizona. The stated purpose of CFMS is "to do together what we can not do in small groups." The most important service that CFMS does for its affiliate clubs is to secure and maintain insurance coverage for the activities which we undertake. Other services that CFMS offers to its affiliated clubs are to:
1. Maintain avenues of communication through a monthly newsletter and a web site;
2. Promote an active field trip program through the focused efforts of several regional groups;
3. Promote an annual California Federation rock, mineral and gem show and convention, and publicize affiliate club shows to advertise our interests, educate ourselves and the public, and generate revenue to sustain club operations;
4. Sponsor annually two earth science seminars - one South in the Spring at ZZYZX within the Mojave Desert, and one North in the Fall at Camp Paradise, north of Marysville;
5. Offer educational seminars in the following areas: competitive exhibit, newsletter editing, safety;
6. Maintain a list of programs and available speakers;
7. Maintain a video, slide, and computer disc library available for a small rental fee;
8. Fund and operate an active scholarship program;
9. Maintain a public land use policies review committee to educate members and to inform government policy makers of our interests in public land use issues;
10. Sponsor an active tax adviser and legal assistance program to help affiliated clubs comply with state and federal requirements;
11. Maintain a scholarship program.
     CFMS is funded through dues from the affiliated clubs based upon club membership, income from the annual show, and contributions from affiliated clubs and their members. Our club is represented at the CFMS Spring and Fall meetings by our elected Federation Director. The work of CFMS is performed through committees.

     What is the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS)? The AFMS formed in 1947 as a not for profit corporation, serves as an umbrella organization to the seven regional Federations covering all 50 States. The regional Federations are California, Eastern, Midwest, Northwest, Rocky Mountain, South Central and Southeast. Through the auspices of AFMS, hundreds of gem and mineral clubs and thousands of their individual members - youth and adults - enjoy participating in national programs that promote popular interest, involvement, and education in the various earth science hobbies including Geology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, Lapidary and other related subjects. AFMS maintains a web site and issues a monthly newsletter which is disseminated to each of the clubs through the seven Regions. AFMS also promotes:
1. Awards competitive display trophies based upon procedures established by a Uniform Rules Committee;
2. Sponsors a Program Competition for individuals to develop new slide, video and computer disc programs regarding some phase of our hobby, with the winning presentations being disseminated to each of the seven Regional Federations for their lending library;
3. Promotes the All American Club Program to encourage clubs to reach their goals of demonstrated quality in club bulletins, programs, service to members, to community, to neighboring clubs and to their Federation;
4. Maintains a program to honor bulletin editors for achieving excellence in club publications and to individual club members for articles they write for their newsletter;
5. Promotes an emphasis on youth groups through a program called Future Rockhounds of America;
6. Maintains a scholarship program.
     AFMS is funded by dues from the Regional Federations based on club membership, income from an annual show, and contributions from clubs and individuals.
     CFMS is represented at AFMS by the current CFMS President and First Vice-President and for a six-year term by an appointed past president. The Regional Federations are not limited by the authority of AFMS, but are free to conduct their own programs and define their own goals. The AFMS is, rather, an alliance of seven Federations. The work of AFMS is performed through committees.

Via Breccia May 2006.

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JUNE BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in JUNE. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! Have I missed your birthday? Call Shirley Layton at (805) 717-9226 and leave a message if I'm not there or an email will also do the trick, jns@west.net. Thanks and have a Great Day!

June - Happy Birthday!!
     Steve Mulqueen - 1st,
     Wayne Ehlers - 3rd,
     Skip Robinson - 9th,
     Loring Sollender - 11th,
     Shirley Layton- 23rd,
     Kathryn Davis - 27th,
     Esther Barshai - 28th.

The June birthstone is the Pearl and the flower is the Rose.

June's Birthstones are Pearl, Alexandrite,
and Moonstone.

Those of you that were born in June have something that those born in other months don't. You have three birthstones to choose from. Each one is elegant in its own way.

Pearls.

Pearls are considered a gemstone, however they come from a much different origin. They are extracted from oysters. A pearl is formed when a foreign body like a grain of sand becomes lodged inside the oyster. The oyster coats the object with many layers of a pearly substance, called nacre, to ease irritation. Today, most pearls are cultured, meaning that the pearl is started by someone inserting something into the oyster. Pearls come in a variety of colors like silver, silver pink, silver white, and black. Pearls are graded according to size, shape, luster, color, orient and surface perfection. Pearls come from oysters around the world, however many of the tropical islands are renowned for their superb pearls.

Alexandrite.

Alexandrite is a transparent chrysoberyl. A unique quality of alexandrite is its special optical effects. In daylight, it is grass-green or emerald color, but changes to wine-red or brownish-red when exposed to an incandescent light. Gems that have this characteristic are called phenomenal stones. Alexandrite was first found in the Ural Mountains in Russia in the early 1800s. The stone was named for Prince Alexander who later became Alexander II. Alexandrite primarily comes from Brazil and Sri Lanka. It is also found in Burma, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Chrysoberyl has a hardness of 8½, cleavage is good in one direction and poor in two others. It has a vitreous luster and streaks white. Alexandrite is quite expensive because of its qualities and rarity.

Moonstone.

Moonstone is a translucent to transparent alkali feldspar. It got its name from the Romans, who believed that it was formed out of moonbeams. Moonstone has a shimmering glow to it that is caused by two different types of feldspar that have different refractive indexes. Moonstones come in a variety of colors, ranging from blue, gray, pink, green, brown and yellow. It can also be colorless or even rainbow colored. The best quality moonstones have a blue sheen, perfect clarity, and a colorless body color. Moonstone has a hardness of 6-6½. Its cleavage is good in two directions at 90°. Its luster is vitreous, and it streaks white. Moonstone is found in many locations of the United States. Other areas it can be found are Sri Lanka, Southern India, and Madagascar.

From ROCK WRITINGS 6/05.

ALEXANDRITE: COLOR CHANGE MAGIC;
June Birthstone!

One of the most fascinating gemstones throughout history is Alexandrite: a gem variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that actually changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. The first time you see it, it is hard to believe your eyes! Gems that show special optical effects are known as phenomenal stones. Chrysoberyl dominates this category, because not only is Alexandrite the most spectacular color change gem, cat's-eye chrysoberyl has the most dramatic eye. Alexandrite has a distinguished and glamorous past: it was discovered in 1830 in Czarist Russia. Since the Old Russian imperial colors are red and green it was named after Czar Alexander II on the occasion of his coming of age.

Alexandrite can be found in jewels of the period, as it was well loved by the Russian master jewelers. Master gemologist George Kunz of Tiffany was a fan of Alexandrite and the company produced many rings featuring fine Alexandrite in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, including some set in platinum from the twenties. Some Victorian jewelry from England features sets of small Alexandrites.

Alexandrite is also sometimes available as an unset stone but it is extremely rare in fine qualities. The original source in Russia's Ural Mountains has long since closed after producing for only a few decades and only a few stones can be found on the market today. Material with a certificate of Russian origin is still particularly valued by the trade. Some Alexandrite is found in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and Brazil but very little shows a dramatic color change. For many years Alexandrite was almost impossible to find because there was so little available.

Then in 1987, a new find of Alexandrite was made in Brazil at a locality called Hematita. The Hematita Alexandrite shows a striking and attractive color change from raspberry red to bluish green. Although Alexandrite remains extremely rare and expensive, the production of a limited amount of new material means a new generation of jewelers and collectors has been exposed to this beautiful gemstone, creating an upsurge in popularity and demand.

When evaluating Alexandrite, pay the most attention to the color change: the more dramatic and complete the shift from red to green, without the bleeding through of brown from one color to the next, the more rare and valuable the stone. The other important value factors are the attractiveness of the two colors - the more intense the better - the clarity, and the cutting quality. Because of the rarity of this gemstone, large sizes command very high premiums.

JUNE BIRTHSTONE - In ancient times the Emerald was the June Birthstone. In modern times the Emerald is the May Birthstone. In modern times the pearl, moonstone and alexandrite are the June Birthstone.

The Crystal Wisdom Reference Chart, a Crystal and Gemstone Guide to the Spiritual Values of Minerals says pearls bring purity, innocence, integrity, Concentration, focus, honesty, serenity and wisdom. Moonstone, a feldspar and usually milky white with a bluish tint, fosters happiness, good fortune and unselfishness. Moonstone is said to promote humanitarian love, safe travel on water (for all you boaters), mothering, hope, new beginnings, abundance, and ancient wisdom. From Rockhound 6/95.

PEARLS - bring peace of mind and help overcome problems. You are lucky, self-possessed and intuitive. Via Calgary Lapidary Journal 11/95.

I liked all of these and my birthday is June, so I printed all the nice things for all of us born in June. - Erma Riese.

From The Petrified Log 6/05.

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HOSPITALITY.

     Our April meeting was honored with 23 members, 4 guests and 1 pebble pup. The guests were Lupe Martinez, F. Robberts, Arnold Flanzer and Carl Stephens. Our pebble pup was Callie Stephens, daughter of our guest Carl Stephens and member Donna Stephens. The Stephens family also brought the refreshments that I'm sure were enjoyed by all (unfortunately, or fortunately as we enjoyed it, I missed the meeting as we were in Baja). There were happy door prize winners and one of the good things was that Sharlyne Holloway, our Hostess, was feeling better and able to be there.

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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting,
Wednesday, April 26, 2006:
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by Ray Meisenheimer at 7:35 pm on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at the Lexington, Ventura, CA.
     The March meeting and April board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/c as shown in the bulletin. It was also corrected to show that, during the April 6th board meeting, Richard issued printed copies of the 2006 show report and it was reviewed.
Ray Meisenheimer welcomed everyone and directed members in the pledge to the flag. Ray mentioned the need for mineral specimens for the educational cases being put together by the tri-clubs. Ray has also received a quantity of rock and mineral material from an estate whose owner donated it to the CFMS endowment fund. The material will be made available to clubs and at shows with proceeds going to the endowment fund.
Richard Bromser gave the treasurer's report and it was m/s/c to accept it as stated.
Shirley Bromser - Directories were issued to members and the deadline for bulletin articles will be May 10th.
Lowell Foster - Our May meeting will include a "not so silent auction" with members who donate specimens, telling of the material's origin, location or some history. June will feature Mel and Sharon Hixon with a presentation on raptors including a live one visiting us.
Ray Meisenheimer - Angels Camp is accepting applications for displays. Contact Ray or Florence if interested. Ray then presented raffle prizes to those who had the drawn ticket numbers.
     Wayne Ehlers and Sharon Cunningham next gave presentations on their trips to Africa with Sharon showing artifacts and acquisitions and Wayne providing a slide show on his and Marie's trip to the various regions in the country. Our thanks to both for taking the time to share their experiences with us.
     Refreshments were provided by Donna, Dallas & Callie Stephens.
     The next Board meeting will be Thursday, May 4th, 2006, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main in Ventura and all are welcomed to attend and the next regular meeting will be held May 24, 2006.
     There being no further business, Ray adjourned the meeting at 8:50 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting,
Thursday, May 4th, 2006:
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by Ron Wise at 6:30 pm on Thursday, May 4, 2006, at the IBEW Hall, 3994 E. Main St., Ventura, CA.
Present: Ron Wise, Ray & Florence Meisenheimer, Richard and Shirley Bromser and Greg Davis with Ray Meisenheimer being appointed as interim for Steve Mulqueen.
Old business:
Ray Meisenheimer - A rock sale, of his collection, is still on going at Ray's house. Contact him for more info. Angel's Camp is scheduled for June 9-11.
Ron Wise - Tumbling grit has been ordered through Cal Clason for resale to our club members.
Richard Bromser - Further efforts at getting the State to acknowledge our club for the purpose of eliminating the tax levied during our annual show at the Fair Grounds is continuing with the help of Mike Kokinos. Statements of the estimated value of museum materials will be provided which may resolve this issue to our club's satisfaction.
New business:
Richard Bromser - The treasurer's report for April was presented and m/s/c as written. Per a conversation with Will, the caretaker for the Petrochem admin building, the property still has not been sold.
Florence Meisenheimer - Material including rough and slabs has been acquired by the CFMS from an estate in Maryland, the proceeds from which will benefit the CFMS endowment fund. It was m/s/c that VGMS purchase some of the rough for $35.00. This may be the last year for Camp Paradise. The property has been sold and the new owners may have other plans for the facilities. Zzyzx will now cost $300.00 per person, which is still a bargain any way you look at it. Florence requests that more information on new members be written and provided upon accepting their memberships. This would help us to understand and get to know them.
Ray Meisenheimer suggested that our club recruit Bret from the Oxnard club to give his video presentation on rockhounding at our club meeting. He'll be contacted and a follow up reported on.
Ron Wise - The field trip to Aguanga near Pala may be cancelled. More information will be reported as soon as possible. The June trip to Palo Verde is still on for the 10th. July will offer the Madras, Oregon show on June 29-July 2nd.
     The next general meeting will be on May 24, 2006 at the Lexington in Ventura.
     There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Greg Davis,
          Recording Secretary.

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CLUB MEMBERS - NEW AND OLD,
By Mary LaVigne.

     You can tell a new club member from a long time one by the state of his garage. The newcomer has little but a car and some lawn equipment in his garage, whereas long time members have a hard time getting to their cars through the obstacle course of rocks, boulders, cartons of "rough", supplies, and old equipment stored because either it needs to be repaired or newer models have been acquired and the old equipment is still too good to get rid of. The new club member has no door stops in his home and no rock garden in his yard. The walkways around his house and the borders of his flower beds are PLAIN - naked of stone edging.
     Old club members sparkle at club meetings. The men wear a different bola each month. The women have rings on every finger. Some have been observed wearing two and even three necklaces at a time. New male club members have unadorned shirt necks (unless you count buttons) and the ladies wear only wedding bands and watches. But, not-to-worry, after the first gem and jewelry show that they attend, you can hardly discern the new from the old.
     Old members wear club vests encrusted with pins and patches. New club members wear name tags and ask for the loan of a vest pattern.
     New club members are generally in awe of the older ones who have been everywhere, collected everything, and have contacts in gem clubs and businesses around the country, to say nothing of the scientific types with whom they are on a first time basis. They have learned to turn pebbles and rocks into sparkling gems, metal into jewelry and sometimes jewelry into cash. But, above all, they can be relied upon for the correct identification of gemstones and rough material and know bargains when they see them.

New club members are elevated to the status of old club members by:

• acquiring experience and knowledge,
  
  
• participating in activities and field trips,
  
  
• enduring until the club acquires still newer members.

Via CFMS Newsletter 5/06.

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MEMBERSHIP.

2006 Membership Directories were given out at the April meeting. They were then mailed to those that weren't able to attend. If you have not received one by the time you read this, please contact Shirley Bromser or Shirley Layton and we will get one to you. We have several new members in the past few months, please make them feel welcome and be sure to introduce yourselves.

(Webmaster's Note: If you want a printed copy of the following so you can place an order move the mouse cursor to the left of the word 'Attention', push and hold down the left mouse button, and sweep down over the ad with the mouse cursor. This will highlight the contents of the ad. Release the mouse button and, without clicking anywhere else on the page, select EDIT on the browser menu and select COPY. You may then PASTE into any word processor and print in your normal manner. If you highlight too much you may delete the unneeded part with the word processor before printing. This works with any browser I know.)

Attention New Members (or anyone needing a badge).
Need a Club Badge?
Blue Engravers is giving us a $.50 reduction per badge
for advertising space in the club bulletin!
Ventura County Shape badge $11.28 (includes. tax & ship).
ACCOUNT: Ventura Gem and Mineral Society, Inc.
Name (print clearly. It will be on your name badge):

_____________________________________________

Address:

_____________________________________________

_______________________________Zip: __________

Make check payable to and mail to (takes 5-7 business days):
Blue Engravers,
1375 Caspian Ave.,
Long Beach, CA 90813.
If ordering more than 2 badges call them for exact shipping
costs at (562) 983-5140, FAX (562) 983-5146,
E-mail BLUEGRAVR@aol.com.

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"FIELD TRIPS ARE FUN."

CCRMC & CFMS Field Trip to OMYA Mine,
Victorville, Sat. May 20th,
By Bob Fitzpatrick,
CFMS Field Trip Chair - South 2006.

TRIP LOCATION: Victorville, California, Omya Mine, a limestone mine south of Lucerne Valley in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.

WHEN: Saturday, May 20th, 2006.

SPONSOR: CFMS Field Trip South and Culver City Rock & Mineral Club.

ORGANIZATION: CCRMC and CFMS.

MATERIAL TO COLLECT: The Mine produces ultra-pure white Calcium Carbonate plus numerous other minerals to make a rockhound's heart beat faster. These include Chrysocolla, Malachite, Azurite, Rhodochrosite, Garnet, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Magnetite, and Epidote. There are also numerous brilliant fluorescent minerals.

LEADER: Anthony Ferrari and Ellen Moe of the Culver City Club.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE: Saturday, May 20th at 9-9:30 AM at the mine headquarters about 120 miles from LA.

DIRECTIONS TO MINE: Interstate 15 north to Victorville, take the Bear Valley Road & Lucerne Valley exit. Take a right onto Bear Valley Road. Follow this road 15 miles where it will join up to Highway 18. Stay on Highway 18 east through the town of Lucerne Valley - 10 miles, you will come to a fork where Highway 18 and 267 come together; there are a 76 and Chevron gas stations there. Go right staying on Highway 18 toward Big Bear. In about ½ mile you will come to a blinking yellow light. This is Crystal Creek Road. Turn right and drive all the way up to the hill, 5 miles to the visible OMYA plant. It takes about 40 minutes to get here from the Bear Valley Road exit. Any problems call Anthony (310-709-7271) or Ellen (310-462-7946). The roads are all easy and paved. From the headquarters, a short distant away there are various quarries and tailings (about 10 acres of tailings).

TOOLS AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: We must wear hard hats. If you don't have one, the mine will try to supply one for you. We must wear protective closed toe shoes. Digging tools, buckets and etc.

SAFETY CONCERNS: Do not lick the rocks, use sun screen, stay away from rattlesnakes, use bug spray, be aware of flash floods, be extra careful and don't get hurt, don't wander off by yourself and get lost.

CLIMATE & WEATHER: It can be hot during the day and cold at night, it could rain.

CLOTHING: Hard hat, protective closed toe shoes, other clothing appropriate for this time of year.

OTHER REMARKS: There is a limit of between 40-50 CFMS Club members that can go on this field trip, first come, first served. You must pre-register, so do it now. Call Ellen Moe at 310-462-7946. We must all observe the AFMS code of ethics and sign a consent and assumption of risk waiver of liability form. Go to OMYA MINE web site for more information about the mine.

For additional information call Anthony at 310-709-7271 or Ellen at 310-462-7946.

TRI-CLUB FIELD TRIPS 2006:
Tentative Schedule 5/14/2006.
Contact field trip leader to confirm
that there is a field trip scheduled.

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BE SAFE - BE WELL,
By Don Monroe, AFMS Safety Chair.

In previous months I have submitted original articles usually dealing with issues that were current and filled a need. This month I am using material that I found in one of my old files. I do not know the author. I really wish I did so that I can give proper credit. I like the article and hope some of you will also appreciate the content.

SAFETY RULES.

Jewelry making can be a most enjoyable hobby but there are certain hazards which must be avoided, and can be, by following a few simple rules.
     Work Safely. You can't get by on luck.
     Don't polish a wire or chain on a rotary tool without nailing the wire or chain to a board. This might wrap around the arbor and pull your hand with it.
     Don't set fire to your clothing with the torch. Fuzzy sweaters are dangerous.
     Don't drop the torch or fail to turn it off. An explosion might follow.
     Don't pour water into acid when making pickle; pour acid into water.
     Don't turn over the pickle pot or the boil pot. Keep handles to the rear.
     Don't put a large piece of very hot metal in pickle. It might splash.
     Don't pick up the charcoal block or hot metal until you are sure they are cool.
     Don't hold a piece being drilled with your hand; the drill might slip or break or the piece might spin when the drill breaks through. Use pliers.
     Don't put your fingers inside any item being polished, for example, a belt-buckle, a ring, a bracelet, etc. Hold the work being polished between finger-tips and thumb.
     Don't wear rubber gloves or fingerstalls when polishing; these might wrap around the arbor.
     Don't work without some protection for the eyes such as plastic goggles or a magnifying eye piece, particularly when using a rotating wire brush.
     Don't let your tie or hair get caught by the rotating arbor. This could be fatal.
     Don't get into contact with electricity or belts. Don't work on a wet or damp floor.
     Don't fail to report any apparent hazard immediately.
     We repeat: "Work safely. You can't get by on luck!" Just fail to observe these rules and you will find your situation comparable to that of the fellow whose wife had the stonecutter carve on his tombstone, "I told you to go to the doctor".

From AFMS Newsletter, April 2006.

  Table of Contents.

SAFETY,
By Chuck McKie, Safety Chair.

This is the time of year we start going on field trips. Often we, or our guests, do have small injuries which may require some first aid. Following is the current recommendation of the HSA for a first aid kit.

Via CFMS May 2006 Newsletter.

  Table of Contents.

John Deere Farm Equipment Motto:
We stand behind all of our farm machinery, except the Manure Spreader!
Gringo Gazette.

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

OBSIDIAN.

     Obsidian, a volcanic glass with a vitreous luster and relatively hard (5 to 5½), sharp edges, has attracted humans for a long time. Named after a Roman, Obsius, it is lovely and functional. As early as man used minerals for ornaments, it was there. As early as man needed sharp objects with which to hunt or cut, it was there.
     With its sharp, conchoidal fracture it was easily chipped into shape as knives, arrowheads, and spearheads.
     The glassy, black, reflective surface was beauty in itself. Obsidian needles were used for adornment and flat cleaved pieces for mirrors. The Mayan shaman used concave obsidian for divination. Used much like the crystal ball, the Mayan shaman would gaze into the blackness for a glimpse of the future.
     Obsidian is formed in the upper portion of rhyolitic lava flows. It is also found in dikes and sills; however, these formations are less common. Under high pressure deep in the earth, rhyolitic lavas may contain up to ten percent water, which helps to keep them fluid. Eruption to the surface, where pressure is low, permits rapid escape of the volatile water and increases the viscosity of the melt. Increased viscosity impedes crystallization and the lava solidifies as glassy obsidian.
     In recent years, obsidian has been used for dating. In one example, determining the date of the fall of the ancient Mayan Civilization has been a challenge for scientists for decades.
     A new method developed by Anne Corine Freter appears to be the most accurate dating process used today. The process measures the water content of obsidian, which absorbs water at a certain constant rate.
     When the sharp edges of human-crafted obsidian blades are examined under a microscope, the layer that has absorbed water is apparent. By measuring the depth of this layer, the date when the blade was made can be determined.
     This new discovery has caused some scientists to believe that the great Mayan civilization declined around the year 1200 AD, rather than the previous estimate of about 800 AD.
     Because obsidian produces some of the sharpest edges known, a handful of American surgeons is using super sharp scalpels that date back to the tool making techniques of Stone Age hunters tens of thousands of years ago.
     The scalpels are made of obsidian, the black volcanic glass that is plentiful in parts of the western United States. Obsidian scalpels can be 500 times sharper than an ordinary steel surgical blade.
     Some obsidian scalpels are handmade by skilled flint knappers, craftsmen who shape blades with rock and deer antlers much the way prehistoric Indians created spear points and arrowheads from various kinds of Stone.

SMS Matrix, via Lithosphere.

     Never put obsidian in detergent as it will leave a white film on the stone which is very difficult to remove.

Napa Gems, via Lithosphere.

Via MOROKS Monrovia Rockhounds Newsletter May 2006.

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HIGHWAY CLAIMS FAMED ROCK SHOP
BY EMINENT DOMAIN,
©By Todd C. Frankel, St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
March 26, 2006.
Used with permission of the author;
via AFMS 5/06 Newsletter.

ALEXANDRIA, MO.
     Betty Sheffler stubbed out her cigarette in the turtle ashtray, shifted in her motorized scooter and, with a whiff of resignation, signed the papers. She'd get her money in a week or so. For now, the 80-year-old woman lit into the young man from the Missouri Department of Transportation. "It is a house of history. And it seems such a shame, such a pitiful shame for so much thought to be put into any place," Sheffler said, "and have it destroyed."
     They were gathered inside Sheffler's horseshoe-shaped house in the state's northeast corner. The highway - the reason for this awkward meeting - runs close by on its way to the Iowa border. The home's exterior walls were covered with exotic, multihued rocks from all over the world. Inside there was even more rock - Mexican calcite, Brazilian quartz and thousands of Keokuk geodes, rocks unique to this region.
     For years, hobbyists and tourists have stopped here, at Sheffler Rock Shop, to buy, talk, or spend a few hours digging for their own rocks at Sheffler's geode mines. Sheffler's place is considered a treasure for collectors, and an ever-more valuable one as the places open to rock hunters become increasingly hard to find, just like the rocks themselves. "They have quite a reputation all over the country," said Steve Weinberger of the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies.
     But the rock shop and the house, and perhaps even the mines, will soon be gone. Sheffler has until May 1 to leave the land she's owned for nearly 60 years. The state needs it to expand Highway 61 to four lanes from two, part of the Avenue of the Saints running from St. Louis to St. Paul.
     Sheffler fought the state. But the state pushed back with a court-ordered condemnation under eminent domain. Which is why the man from the highway department was visiting last week with the promise of compensation. "I'd just as soon tear up the check and set fire to it and stay home," Sheffler said. "But it's not my home, now is it?" The man from the highway department stood with his hands clasped in front of him. He said nothing. Off to the side sat an old cash register with a large sign reading, "All Sales Final."
Bit by "rock bug":
     Sheffler grew up a few miles from Alexandria, in Keokuk, Iowa, just over the Des Moines River. That's where the "rock bug" bit early. As a young girl, she hunted geodes - ordinary round rocks that belie their sparkling crystal interiors. They were easy to find back then. The Keokuk region has one the highest concentrations of geodes in the nation. Most were deposited more than 300 million years ago when a shallow sea covered the land. Keokuk geodes are favored because of their colorful bursts of crystals - yellows, pinks, blacks and purples. "The rough exterior is not very pretty," Sheffler said. "But you look inside and it is beautiful."
     In 1947, she married and moved to the property she is now losing to the highway. She recalled how her late husband was astonished at the truckloads of rocks that came with his new bride. Twelve years later, she opened her rock shop. In 1960, she opened her first geode mine. And in 1971, she and her husband finished the horseshoe-shaped house with 60 tons of rocks laid in the walls.
     The above ground mine looks like an old excavating pit with walls of dirt-covered shale. That's where the geodes hide. Sheffler started out charging $2 per person to mine. She closed one mine and opened another. Last summer, the price was $15 per person for 50 pounds of rocks. It is one thing to show a geode in a display case, Sheffler said. "It is another thing to let people go in and dig their own and get the thrill of it."
     Steve Rudloff knows the thrill. A short time after the highway man left Sheffler's house, Rudloff arrived looking to dig. He'd driven the 160 miles from Jefferson City that morning. "I thought I'd give it a shot before the highway comes through," said Rudloff, 57. He was covered in orange mud. Rudloff wore an insulated jumpsuit and gloves to protect against the chill. Sitting on his knees, he swung a hammer against a chisel pointed into the shale. Tap, tap, tap. He moved the chisel a bit. Tap, tap. He tossed broken pieces of black rock over his shoulder. He set aside two small geodes. He hit the chisel a few more times and stopped. He picked up a gray geode that had split open. He held it in the sun. The light caught a wealth of crystals colored gold and shaped like tiny squares. Rudloff smiled. "I've just never found one that nice before."
"It's a terrible thing."
     The 526-mile Avenue of the Saints project is completed except for a 17-mile stretch around Sheffler's place. The narrow highway is considered treacherous. Trucks fly past with only a double yellow line in between. In 2000, this stretch emerged as a symbol of unsafe roads when a teenager, just weeks from her high school graduation, was killed in a head-on collision.
     Sheffler has known for years that the state might take her land. Last August, the highway department went to court, invoking the government's right to take private property for certain purposes. In January, the state paid $632,868 to compensate Sheffler for the loss of 21 acres, according to state records. She will keep about 30 nearby acres. Most of the land is empty. But the highway and a new interchange will run through her house and between the two geode mines, coming perilously close to them, if not closing them entirely. "That's right where the interchange needs to be," explained Tom Batenhorst, a state highway project manager. "It's unfortunate."
     Sheffler's son, Tim, manages the business for his mom. He wants to reopen the shop in a new location. He doesn't know what will happen to the mines. He expects the mines to be closed this year, and perhaps forever. Keokuk, a town of 11,000 residents, had declared Sept. 20, 1997, "Betty Sheffler Day." There were T-shirts and speeches. Last year, the town hosted its first Rocktober Geode Fest. Sheffler's place was one of the main attractions. Most prime rock hunting spots are off-limits due to concerns about liability insurance and trespassing.
     Rockhounds, with numbers estimated at more than 50,000 nationwide, say they don't know what they'll do without Sheffler's place. There are perhaps fewer than a dozen such geode mines in the country, and none as well-known.
     "It's a terrible thing for all of us," said June Culp Zeitner, of Rapid City, S.D. Zeitner, known as the "Queen of Mineralogy," has authored nine books on rocks. At age 90 and with the days of climbing rock piles behind her, Zeitner is working on a new book. This one is about geodes. She has visited Sheffler's mine many times. "Every place we lose, we can't get back. It was the last place that I know of where we knew we could find something and it was legal," Zeitner said.
     Back at her house, Sheffler recalled one of Zeitner's visits. She sat in her scooter in an area crammed with now-empty glass display cases. "We sat here, right where you're standing and pulled out geodes. She loves dew-drop geodes. And the dew drop is so lovely," Sheffler said. "So lovely." Sheffler recalled the crystal's appearance from memory. Her bright blue eyes see little these days. She can make out the shadows of a visitor standing in front of her, but not a geode's fine crystal fingers. The beauty of rocks she collected her entire life is beyond her now. "I miss them. I really miss them," she said. Soon, Sheffler will leave her house of rock.
     Tim Sheffler secured two halves of a large geode with masking tape. His mother asked if it was one of her favorites. He asked her to describe it. "Selenite from one side to the other, probably 20 some-odd sprigs of Selenite," she said. "It's the same one," he responded. "The exterior felt different to me," she said. Tim Sheffler finished wrapping the rock and packed it away for the move.

AFMS Newsletter May 2006.

  Table of Contents.

LAWS OF THE NATURAL UNIVERSE.

Law of Mechanical Repair: After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped will roll to the least accessible corner.

Law of the Telephone: When you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal.

Law of the Alibi: If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

Variation Law: If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will start to move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

Bath Theorem: When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

Law of Close encounters: The probability of meeting someone you know increases when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

Law of the Result: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

Law of Biomechanics: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

T-Town Rockhound - February 2006 via Quarry Quips - March 2006.

  Table of Contents.

HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS,
(Use at your own risk!).

Super Windex does a really super job of taking dried latex paint off your hands (and arms and glasses - depending on how sloppy you are) after a day of painting in the hot sun! Use it just as if it were liquid hand soap - lather up and rinse. It even takes the paint off your fingernails! - J. Bourne, ShinSkinner News, Sept. 2005 via Quarry Quips March 2006.

When cutting irregular shaped cabochons, such as a heart that can not be fully cut or polished at the wheel, finish cutting with a carborundum stick. Sand with silicon carbide cloth wrapped around a Popsickle stick. Unless the crevice is very deep, it will polish on a leather buff. - Author Unknown - via Quarry Quips March 2006.

To bring out the color in chrysocolla, place the piece in full strength chlorine bleach. Let it soak for as long as it takes. This works really well, and brings out some great colors. - Breccia via Del Air Bulletin - May 2006.

Don't throw that old telephone book away! Use it to wrap specimens in the field. Very small specimens can be glued to a piece of cardboard, loosely wrapped in newspaper, then put in a butter tub. Once home, soak off the cardboard. - Breccia via Del Air Bulletin - May 2006.

ZAM will polish both metal and soft materials making it the perfect polish for turquoise mounted in sterling silver. - Breccia via Del Air Bulletin - May 2006.

Denim Patches - Did you know that denim iron on patches make excellent polishing disks? They will adhere to surfaces when ordinary glues will not. Obtain the largest ones you can to fit your wheel disks, and cut to fit. - Agatizer - 11/01 via Rock Writings - May 2006.

  Table of Contents.

STODDARD WELLS TAILGATE ROCK SHOW,
March 11, 2006,
By Valli Davis.

On March 11 Greg, Wendy and I went to the Stoddard Wells tailgate rock show since it is one of our favorites even though there was threat of snow in the area. As we drove through the Afton area early Saturday morning it was covered with snow, even the road signs. Good thing we knew where we were going. Stoddard Wells was very cold and, as you can see from the pictures, the vendors obviously had snow during the night. Some even had miniature snowmen on their tables. We had to break the ice in the bins to check out the slabs. We wanted to give the few vendors who toughed it out a little business and we got some good buys. We were there less than an hour when it started to snow so vendors covered their tables and took shelter (some only had tents!) and we headed for our car. We hit hail and sleet as we drove away on the dirt road. But by the time we passed through the Afton area on the way home all the snow had melted. We felt fortunate that we started early and were able to see the postcard views of the ranches and trees covered with snow. This was Wendy's first experience of being in snow as it was falling so we all felt the trip was worthwhile.

  Table of Contents.

SHOW DATES.

2006 CFMS SHOWS.

MAY 19, 20 & 21; ANDERSON, CA - Superior California Gem & Min. Association, Shasta County Fairgrounds. Hours: Fri./Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. Steve Puderbaugh (530) 365-4000.
MAY 20-21; NEWBURY PARK, CA - Conejo Gem & Mineral Club, Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4:30. Sal Scarpato, Email: SALSCARPATO@SBCGLOBAL.NET.
MAY 20-21; YUCAIPA, CA - Yucaipa Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Yucaipa Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4. William Jochimsen (909) 790-1475. Email: bjm2285@aol.com.
MAY 27-29; WEAVERVILLE, CA - Trinity Gem & Mineral Society, Annual Bigfoot Gemboree. Hours: Sat./Sun. 10-5, Mon. 10-4. Jack Jennewein (530) 778-3786.
JUNE 3-4; GLENDORA, CA - Glendora Gems, 859 E. Sierra Madre. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Bonnie Bidwell (626) 963-4638. Email: Ybidwell2@aol.com.
JUNE 3-4; LA HABRA, CA - North Orange County Gem & Mineral, La Habra, Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Hours: 10-5 both days. Don Warthen (626) 330- 8974. Email: warthen@earthlink.net.
JUNE 9-11; ANGELS CAMP, CA - Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society "Jump for the Gold" - CFMS GEM & MINERAL SHOW. Hours: 10-5 daily.
JULY 1-2; CULVER CITY, CA - Culver City Rock & Mineral Club, Culver City Veteran's Memorial Complex, Culver City Veteran's Mem. Auditorium, 4117 Overland Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Website: CulverCityRocks.org. (Close the new window to return here.) Richard Shaffer (310) 391-8429. Email: maryellenandrick@aol.com.
AUGUST 4-6; NIPOMO, CA - Orcutt Mineral Society, "Earth's Treasures", St. Joseph's Church, 298 South Thompson Avenue. Hours: 10-5 daily. Wes Lingerfelt (805) 929-3788.
AUGUST 5-6; SAN FRANCISCO, CA - San Francisco Gem & Mineral Society, San Francisco County Fair Building, Ninth Avenue & Lincoln Way. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ellen Nott (415) 564-4230.
SEPTEMBER 23-24; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Lapidary Society, Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Vernao Norte, Rancho Bernardo, CA. Hours: 10-4 both days. Kim Hutsell (619) 294-3914. Email: info@sandiegolapidarysociety.org.
OCTOBER 14-15; GRASS VALLEY, CA - Nevada County Gem & Mineral "Earth's Treasures". Nevada County Fairgrounds, 11228 McCourtney Road. Hours: 10-4 both days. Cliff Swenson (530) 272-3752.
OCTOBER 14-15; TRONA, CA - Searles Lake Gem & Mineral Society "Gem-O-Rama", Searles Lake Gem & Mineral, 13337 Main Street. Hours: Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 7:30-4. Bonnie Fairchild (760) 372-5356. Email: jbfairchild@verizon.net.
OCTOBER 21-22; ANDERSON, CA - Shasta Gem & Mineral Society, Shasta District Fairgrounds. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Alex Stoltz (530) 474-4400.
OCTOBER 28-29; VISTA, CA - Vista Gem & Mineral Society, Brengle Terrace Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. Mary Anne Mital (760) 758-4599.
NOVEMBER 4-5; CONCORD, CA - Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society, Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Hours: 10-5 each day. Sam Woolsey (925) 837-3287. Email: williamrmckay@hotmail.com.
NOVEMBER 4-5; LANCASTER, CA - Palmdale Gem & Mineral Club, "Rock n Gem Roundup", Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2552 West Avenue H. Hours: 9-5 both days. Susan Walblom (661) 943-1861. E-Mail: pgmc@antelecom.net.
NOVEMBER 4-5; SAN DIEGO, CA - San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, Al Bahr Shrine Center (behind Hampton Inn), 5440 Kearny Mesa Road. Hours: Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-4. Wayne Moorhead (858) 586-1637.
NOVEMBER 11-12; YUBA CITY, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral "Festival Of Gems & Minerals", Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds (Franklin Hall), 442 Franklin Avenue. Hours: 9-4 both days. Cliff Swenson (530) 272-3752.
NOVEMBER 18-19; LIVERMORE, CA - Livermore Valley Lithophites, The Barn, 3131 Pacific Avenue. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Joyce & Dick Friesen (925) 447-8223. Email: friesenjoyce@lxinetcom.net.
NOVEMBER 18-19; OXNARD, CA - Oxnard Gem & Mineral Society, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. Hours: Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4. Norb Kinsler (805) 644-6450. Show Website: www.ogms.net. (Close the new window to return here.)
NOVEMBER 25-26; VICTORVILLE, CA - Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club, San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 7th Street. Hours: Sat. 9-5; Sun. 9-4. Joe Kosik (760) 241-0894.

AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE - 2006.

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
June 9-11, Angels Camp, CA.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FEDERATION,
June 9-11, Stillwater, OK.

MIDWESTERN FEDERATION,
May 19-21, Southgate, OK.

NORTHWESTERN FEDERATION,
July 14-16, Kelso, WA.

EASTERN FEDERATION,
November 17-19, West Palm Beach, FL.

SOUTHEASTERN FEDERATION/AFMS,
August 14-20, Nashville, TN.
Middle Tennessee Gem & Mineral Society Convention: 8/15-20; Show: 8/18-20. Hotel Preston at 733 Briley Parkway. Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Creative Arts Bldg., Wedgewood Avenue. Show hours: Fri./Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5. Website: www.mtgms.org/show.htm. (It's a link from AFMS website.) (Close the new window to return here.) Lewis Elrod (6150 893-8270. email: lfelrod@yahoo.com.

SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
August, Bossier City, LA.

  Table of Contents.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

I want to thank all those that have contributed to the bulletin and get it to me on a timely basis. It definitely makes our job easier and your input makes it more interesting. We are still in need of photos from your experiences. I think the photo page is fun, but need your input. Sharing is fun for all! Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor.

Trili - The Editor's Pet Trilobite.

  Table of Contents.

VGMS PHOTO ALBUM:

Hopefully we will have a full page next month. Got Photos?

  Table of Contents.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month.

Pegmatite - From the Greek pegmat, to "fasten together", in reference to the manner in which the crystals are bonded together. A coarse-grained granite that occurs as a dike or vein. Usually found at the margins of a granitic batholith or stock. Often referred to as a "granite pegmatite", although some pegmatites may have compositions much different than the common granite. Some definitions refer to pegmatites as igneous rocks (not necessarily associated with granites) of coarse-grain texture occurring as a dike, usually associated with a large mass of finer-grained plutonic rock.

Pegmatites are formed from hydrothermal solutions that develop late in the cooling stage of a magma. Some pegmatites contain unusual minerals rich in ions such as lithium, boron, fluorine, niobium, tantalum, uranium and ions of the rare earth elements. Some of the minerals often found in pegmatites include quartz, feldspars (orthoclase, microcline), tourmaline, mica (lepidolite, muscovite), topaz, tantalite and spodumene. Some of the largest mineral specimens known to exist in the World are from pegmatites.

Written by Steve Mulqueen for the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, May 2006. The "Definition of the Month" features words related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history.

Illustration of the Month.

Terataspis grandis, a Trilobite Fossil.

A very large, bizarre form of a trilobite of the Lower Devonian period from Onondagan, New York. An illustration from the book "Invertebrate Fossils", written by Raymond C. Moore, et al, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, 1952, page 508. The "Illustration of the Month" features a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering, engraving print or any form of art rediscovered in books, maps, manuscripts and many other sources related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. This illustration was chosen for its educational content by Steve Mulqueen, Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, May 2006.

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CAMP PARADISE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION.

Two Earth Science seminars will again be offered at CAMP PARADISE, approximately 45 miles east of Marysville on Highway E-21 (Clipper Mills). You may register for either or both weeks. Various classes will be offered in both sessions, limited collecting trips, sightseeing and evening entertainment. The Earth Sciences Committee retains the right to accept or deny applications as they deem appropriate.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
     Jack F. Williams,
     2608 Retirement Ln.,
     Placerville, CA 95667,
     (530) 622-3038.
OR
     Cal & Dee Clason,
     10100 Laurie Avenue,
     Bakersfield, 93312,
     (661) 589-4169.

The facilities are at a rustic church camp, rooms with double beds and/or bunk beds. Bathrooms and shower are communal and located in each building. Occupants are required to provide a cover for the mattress under your regular bedding. Housekeeping is the responsibility of each guest. Also available are individual cabins (very rustic, electricity, but no plumbing, bathroom and shower facilities are nearby). RV spaces available, hook-ups when deemed appropriate by staff. Since it is a church camp, no alcoholic beverages are permitted.

REGISTRATION CLOSES AUGUST 15. NO CANCELLATIONS AFTER THIS DATE UNLESS A REPLACEMENT IS PROVIDED. A $25.00 ADMINISTRATION FEE WILL BE ASSESSED FOR CANCELLATION PRIOR TO THIS DATE.

$250 PER WEEK PER PERSON - COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM AND MAIL WITH FULL PAYMENT.

If you want to go click on the following link for the application. (Close the new window to return here.)

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

67th ANNUAL CALIFORNIA FEDERATION SHOW.

  Table of Contents.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Remember
September 11, 2001,
but support
our troops
NOW ! !

  Table of Contents.

SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

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